The Rafters controversy

There's an uproar in the papers today about an episode of Packed To The Rafters that involved fantasies and suggestive material.

After checking my calendar I remembered we are almost into 2010 and it is not in fact the prudish times of the 50s and 60s (not that I was around then).

The controversy surrounds a couple of scenes involving, ahem, masturbation. Granted it wasn't handled quite as delicately as say Seinfeld did in the classic episode The Contest but I didn't think it was that big a deal.

And I will admit I had quite a laugh.

The episode of Packed To The Rafters centered on the character Nathan, an early 20s married guy who is having trouble dealing with his (female) boss coming onto him. So much so he has had the odd fantasy about her.

At one point his wife bursts in on him in the bathroom (why doesn't anybody lock the door in TV-land) doing ... that.

The other young guys the show are also having fantasy issues. Later there is another scene with the neighbour Carbo making a few noises while fantasising about a couple of girls.

There's also a wicked send up of the Jessica Simpson car wash scene in one of her film clips. Carbo has also been caught compromising himself once before in the show - but not a word was said then.

Look, I think people need to grow up a bit and stop pretending to be so offended by everything. The test will come next week to see if the themes continue. I tend to think they won't so much but there is a storyline running at the moment that needs to be continued.

The show is on at 8.30pm and does carry a warning about sexual references. I don't see what all the fuss is about. I would be more concerned if the show became lowbrow and resorted to Melrose Place-style antics. That would be a shame because it really is an outstanding Aussie show and one that has already proven that you don't need to be controversial to get people to watch.